During the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum and a meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council in Astana, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced his intention to transform the country into a regional hub for AI computing and development, Qazinform reported.
As part of this strategy, the "Data Center Valley" project is being launched, attracting the attention of major international investors, including the General Atlantic fund. President Tokayev also supported the international "Washington Model" for the safe and responsible development of AI and proposed launching a region-wide AI Challenge initiative.
Astana's focus on artificial intelligence and data processing reflects Kazakhstan's transition from the export of basic raw materials to high-value added development in the technology sector. The implementation of the Data Center Valley project positions the republic as a natural digital player for all of Central Asia.
The main economic impact lies in the combination of abundant available data center resources and a regulatory framework for investor protection. Attracting global venture capital funds bolsters Kazakhstan's ambitions to become a leading facilitator of digital cross-border cooperation and an exporter of AI services.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 2, 2026